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14 celebs you (probably) didn’t know went to school in WI

April 2, 2026

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Good morning!

Ellie here. I hope everyone is taking advantage of the warmer(ish) weather!

At least it’s not as cold as it was. With the warmer weather, one of my favorite things to do is go to concerts.

Tonight, my boyfriend and I are headed to see Steely Dead, a band that combines the music of Steely Dan and the Grateful Dead. We’re also headed to Colorado in August to see a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheater, which I can’t wait for!

What’s your favorite concert you’ve ever been to? Let me know!

In that same vein, today, we’re taking a look at some of the can’t-miss music festivals that Wisconsin has to offer this summer. We’ll also take a look at some celebrities who went to school in our state, along with other Wisconsin news!

A quick reminder: Tomorrow, for our Locals Love, I want to hear about some of your favorite restaurant patios. Send in your favorites, and tell me why to have them featured!

Ellie Bourdo

Newsletter Editor, UpNorthNews

“Racine County sunset!” (Courtesy of Bill K.)

Bill K. from Racine County sent in this beautiful photo of a sunset over a pond. What a great view of our state, thanks for sharing!

Send in your Wisconsin view to have it featured!

One of my favorite things to do with the warmer weather is spend time outside with my pup. Check out these dog-friendly spots in Door County where you can do the same!

Show me your Wisconsin view!

8 Wisconsin music festivals you won’t want to miss

(Courtesy of Summerfest)

By Ellie Bourdo

Whether you’re into rock, country, pop, or anything in between, there’s a music festival for you.

From Summerfest to Country Thunder, Wisconsinites can find their perfect match for live music this summer.

Here’s some of the Wisconsin music festivals to mark on your calendar.

See the full list →

14 celebrities who went to college in Wisconsin

Willem Dafoe is one of many well-known celebrities who attended a Wisconsin college. (Andrea Raffin/Shutterstock)

By Holly Garcia

Between technical colleges, private institutions, and the University of Wisconsin system, we have 85 collegiate connections throughout the state, so it’s no wonder that there are more than a few well-known names who went to school here.

From actors and athletes to authors and astronauts, many exceptional people spent their years in higher education at incredible colleges in Wisconsin. The majority of notable alums hail from UW-Madison, with other schools sprinkled in. The list would be endless if we added every celebrity who walked the halls, so we highlighted 14 who you might have heard of. Did your favorite make this list? Who else would you include?

Check out the celebrities who made the list →

What effect did blizzard Iona have on Wisconsin wildlife?

White-tailed deer feed as snow falls in a Sawyer County field in late winter. (USA Today via Reuters Connect)

By USA Today via Reuters Connect

The mid-March blizzard that tore through Wisconsin was not only big enough to get a name – Iona – and break numerous snowfall records. It also added stress to the state’s wildlife at a critical time of year.

Non-migratory species such as white-tailed deer and wild turkey are typically low on nutritional reserves in late winter and more susceptible to starvation than any other period.

Early bird migrants, including American woodcock and killdeer, can also suffer if snow significantly impedes their access to food for too long.

Are you enjoying this Wisconsin newsletter?

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Ellie Bourdo with stories from Ellie Bourdo, Holly Garcia, and USA Today Network via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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